Decreasing lead exposure in Swedish children, 1978-84

Blood-lead levels were determined, each summer during the period 1978-1984, in children from Scania in Southern Sweden. A total of 1395 determinations were made. The average blood-lead concentration was 55 (range 14-250) micrograms 1(-1). There was a statistically significant decrease over time, both in rural and urban areas, averaging about 4 micrograms 1(-1) per year. Lead exposure has thus decreased remarkably. One possible explanation is the contemporary, considerable reduction of the alkyl lead content of petrol.